Voting machine



R. F. SHOUP VOTING MACHINE Dec. l, 1942.

4 Sheets-Sheet l Filed June l0. 1941 /f/)IAIAIBIBICICIIAIBICHAIBICI //glollxelflfnolslfu .)IGIGIHIHIIIIHGIHIIGIHiI ATTORNEYS Dec. 1, 1942. R. F. sHoUP 2,303,396

VOTING MACHINE Filed June 10, 1941 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 mlIf 2 Wu f6 si "":Ilii'l AZ Y I t. u WHW 5 ATTORNEYS Dec. 1, 1942. R F, SHOUP 2,303,396

VOTING MACHIN 'Filed June 1o, 1941 4 sheet-sheet s INVENTOR T izl. l

ATTO R N EYS 1, 1942. R. F. sHoUP VOTING MACHINE FiledvJune 1o, 1941 4 IShee'cs-Sheef. 4

IDIEIFIIDIEIFIDIEIFH l Z. NVENTR T 1 j my ff ATTORNEYS Patented Dee. 1, 1942 VOTING MACHINE Ransom F. Shoup, Ardmore, Pa., assignor to The Shoup Voting Machine Corporation, Philadelphia, Pa., a corporation of Delaware Application June 10, 1941, Serial No. 397,446

11 Claims.

This invention relates to voting machines and more especially to voting machines of the socalled horizontal type.

In certain states, the election laws provide that with respect to certain offices, for example, representation in the general assembly, each voter has the right to cast from one to three ballots for any candidate and also the voter has the right t0 distribute his three ballots in any manner that he may desire among one to three candidates of his choice. Such provision is for the purpose of properly proportioning and balancing the relative strength of the political parties as it may be indicated in the general assembly. The voter may cast his entire three ballots for one candidate; he may cast two ballots for one candidate and his remaining ballot for a second candidate; he may cast one and onehali ballots for each of two candidates; or he may cast a single ballot for each of three candidates. He may limit his choice of candidates to a single party or he may split his choice among the candidates of two or more parties.

An object of this invention is to equip the socalled horizontal type of voting machine with mechanism to enable it to be used for cumulative voting according to the election laws above referred to.

Other objects, novel features and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following speciiication and accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary front elevation of a horizontal type voting machine arranged for balloting on candidates for representatives in general assembly;

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary rear view showing the interlocking straps and main grouping channel;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary view through the main grouping channel showing the interlocking straps and the location of one compensator;

Fig. 4 is a section taken on the line 4 4 of Fig. 3 and shows the manner of mounting a compensator in the main grouping channel;

Fig. 5 is a section substantially on the line 5 5 of Fig. 7 and shows the manner of mounting and connecting the mechanism with the straps of the maingrouping channel;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the cumulative mechanism showing the group controls in neutral position;

Fig. 7 is a rear View showing the cumulative mechanism attached to the main grouping channel with one group control in position of use;

Fig. 8 is a front elevation of the cumulative mechanism showing a second group control in position of use;

Fig. 9 is a view similar to Fig. 8 showing a third group control in position of use;

Fig. 10 is a view similar to Fig. 2 of a modied arrangement, and

Figs. 11, 12 and 13 are views similar to Figs. 1, 8 and 7 respectively illustrating said modication.

In the drawings, I0 indicates a keyboard of a horizontal type voting machine having several horizontal rows of indicators II, but only three such rows being shown. Each indicator II, through mechanism well-known in the art, is capable of recording a vote on a suitable register subsequent to being moved from the position shown in the drawings downwardly to a position such that one end of the indicator is directed toward the name of a candidate for oflice generally indicated by the letters I2 in channels I3.

In Fig. 1, the voting machine is shown to be set up for three parties. Each horizontal row is allocated to one party and the name of each party candidate appears several times in his party row. Although, as illustrated, each party has three candidates running, it is to ybe understood that any party may have a lesser number than three. Each candidates name (irrespective of party) appears twice in the non-party group designated X and once each in the non-party groups designated Yand Z, the candidates being designated by the letters A to I inclusive.

That portion of the voting machine connected with the cumulative mechanism comprises a plurality of interlocking straps I5, each of which is formed with a ledge or shoulder II and each of which has its lower end formed with a neck IB terminating in an enlarged head 0r wedge I 9 projecting into a main grouping channel 20 forming a part of the voting machine and comprising spaced plates 2| equipped with horizontal channels 22 receiving the enlarged ends of rollers 24. Between each pair of rollers 24 (Fig. 3) there are located the neck portions of two straps I5, the enlarged heads or wedges I9 being located within the channel and beneath the rollers. Upon actuation of an indicator II, one interlocking strap I5 is raised causing its head or wedge I9 to move upwardly between a pair of rollers with concomitant movement of said rollers laterally apart and limiting to a predetermined degree further lateral displacement of the rollers upon subsequent raising of further interlocking straps.

Lateral displacement of the rollers 24 and the grouping Lof the interlocking straps I5 and their respective indicators is obtained through the use of grouping pins 25 and compensators 25. As shown in Fig. 2, the plates 2| are provided with openings 21 for the purpose of receiving grouping pins 25 which project transversely of the channel and are in the lateral path of rollers 24. Three grouping pins 25 are located in certain openings 21 to provide three non-party groups X, Y and Z, as indicated in Fig. 2. In group X, there are six lesser groups of interlocking straps, While in each of groups Y and Z, there are three lesser groups of interlock straps. The number of lesser groups in group X is the product of the greatest number of candidates for any party and the number of unit votes each voter is allowed while the number of lesser groups in each of groups Y and Z is equal to the greatest number of candidates of any party. Although the drawings show the machine to be set up for three candidates for each party, the same arrangement of lesser groups will prevail if the machine is set up with one or more parties having a lower number of candidates than another party, The number oi straps in each of the lesser groups depend upon the number of horizontal rows of indicators located on the face of the machine. In the present instance, nine interlocking straps are contained in each lesser group as the machine is equipped with nine horizontal rows of indicators.

Each indicator in one vertical column of the machine is connected with one strap in a strap group. The voting machine as set up in Fig. 1 permits each voter to cast three ballots. The spacing of the rollers 24 is such that six interlocking straps oi group X may be raised. Therefore, the possible lateral displacement of the rollers 24 of this group is decreased by inserting three compensators 26 in group X substantially as shown in Figs. 2, 3 and 4. Each compensator inserted serves to prevent one of the interlocking straps from being raised by occupying the space the corresponding head I9 could occupy between any pair of rollers. The provision of three of these compensators in group X reduces to three the number of interlocking straps in said group which may be manipulated. A voter entitled to register three votes may, by manipulation of certain of the indicators of group X, cast one, two or three votes for candidates of his party or split his party vote in the same manner.

In each of groups Y and Z, three are three lesser groups of interlocking straps. The rollers 24 in each group are limited in lateral displacement by two group pins 25 and since these pins are located to include three strap groups only three vote could be cast. However, since it is possible to cast three votes in group X, provision is made that in group Y, only two straps can be actuated so that the voter may divide his ballot into one and one-half votes for each of two candidates and in group Z provision is made that only one interlocking strap can be actuated so that the voter, by actuating a single indicator, may cast his three ballots for a single candidate. The restriction of group Y to two candidates is accomplished by inserting one compensator 25 into group Y while the restriction of group Z to a single candidate is accomplished by inserting two compensators 26 into said group.

Mechanism is provided for attaching the cumulative mechanism to the voting machine adjacent the main grouping channel Such mechanism is indicated by the reference numeral 3D and includes a frame 3|. Adjacent the lower edge of the frame is a pair of supporting brackets 32 terminating in upstanding flanges 33 and adjacent the brackets 32 are longer brackets 35 terminating in upstanding flanges 36. Spacing studs 31 project from one face of the frame and elements 39 formed from or attached to the frame provide pivotal support for hooks 40 projecting through suitable openings 4| in the frame 3|. One end of each hook is pivotally joined to a clamping screw 43 projecting through a support 44 on the frame 3|. A portion of the screw adjacent the support 44 is threaded and receives a nut 45. The mechanism 3D is mounted on one face of the main grouping channel by engaging the anges 36 of brackets 35 with the inner face of one of the channel plates, the flange 33 of the bracket 32 abutting the other face oi the plate and the studs 31 also abutting the outer face of the grouping channel. Suitable slots 43 are provided in one of the channel plates to re' ceive the ends of the hooks 43. When the mechanism is in place, the nut 45 is rotated, raising the screw 43 and moving the hook downwardly into engagement with the plate through which it projects. In order to locate this mechanism to control any group of indicators, it must be attachable on any plate on the main grouping channel. Therefore, a plurality of slots 46 are provided in the outer face of the main grouping channel to permit entrance of the hooks 40.

On the frame 3| are three movable members which are interlocked to prevent simultaneous actuation of any two. On the face of the frame 3! remote from the channel 2| are mounted brackets 48 from which six supports 49 project. One pair of supports mounts a shaft 50 on which are fixed a pair of spaced arms 5| extending over the frame 3| and overlying the space between said frame and the channel 23. The ends of the arms 5| are connected by a rod 52 which is provided with a plurality of reduced diameter portions 53. A second pair of supports 4S' pivotally mount a second shaft 56a to which are secured three arms 5 la having their free ends connected by a rod 52a having a plurality of reduced diameter portions 53a. A third pair of supports 49 mounts a shaft 50D on which is iixed a pair of spaced arms 5|b connected by a rod 52h having a plurality of reduced diameter portions 53h. The shaft 5B, aims 5| and rod 52 constitute one movable member which is associated with that portion of the cumulative mechanism related to group Y, heretofore mentioned and indicated in Fig. l. Shaft 50a, arms 5 |a and rod 52a constitute the second movable member associated in the same manner with that portion of the cumulative mechanism related to group X. The shaft 55h, arms 5|b and rod 52D constitute the third movable member similarly associated with that portion of the cumulative mechanism related to group Z. The rod 52a is provided with six reduced portions 53a, this number corresponding to the duplicate listing of the candidates in group X on the face of the voting machine while the rods 52a and 52h are provided with three reduced portions 53a and 53h respectively corresponding to the candidate listing in each of groups Y and Z. Apertures 55, 55a and 55h are provided in arms 5|, 5|a, and 5|b for a purpose later to be described.

Pivo-tally mounted on the face of the frame 3| vadjacent the grouping channel 2) are arms 66a mit limited rotation of the free end 4of each arm about its pivotal support. In order that the arms 68a and Gill) may have controlled movement, sliding links 54, Gila. and @lib are provided and are formed with slots titi, ia andb through Which pins @3a and (Stb on the frame 3| project. The links 5de; and @b are on the same side of the frame 3| with the arms Sila and 6019 While the link 64 preferably is on the opposite side of said frame. The links Elia and 34h are provided with end surfaces which are engageable with the pins Sla and ill? respectively, while the link M is provided with end surfaces which are engageable with the left pin Sia and the right pin lb respectively. The left pin (ilo and the right pin 6|b are long enough to project into the path of the link M while the remaining pins 6 la and Elli do not extend beyond the rear face of the plate 3|. Thus, when the left arm @da is moved clock.-

wise from the position shown in 9 to the pon sition shown in Fig. 8 by mechanism hereinafter to be described, left pin Sia thereof engages the left end of link cria moving it laterally t the right and causing the right arm 83a to be moved from the position shown in Fig. 9 to the position shown in Fig. 8. The reverse of this operation is initiated by the right arm tta which causes the bar 64o to rotate the left arm Gtia. Similar reciprocation of the link Sb is eected by the pins G .ib o' the arms 'ib while similar reciprocation of the link iid is effected by the pins Sia and 6 ib of the outer arms Gta and @b as is evident from an inspection of Fig. 5.

Pivotally mounted on the same side of the frame 3| are three cam plates lita and 8319. The cam plate tti comprises two cani arms 'c and dii and a finger 'lil while cam plates 68a and @8b comprise cam arms Giia and 69h and lingers lila and 'lb respectively. The cam arm G9 and the cam arm (i3d extend toward each other while the cam arm d and the cam arm. 69o extend toward each other. The cam arms G9, 'ia and 5% are formed with inclined meeting edges 'l2' and 'lit'. 72 and 13, l`2a and i3d, and '52h and ith respectively. The cam arms lita and 6912 are of identical shape but oppositely directed and the left cam arm t9' is of identical shape with both the cam arms 29a and 59o and is identically directed with the cam arm 69h. The right cam arm t9" is of identical shape with the cam arm 68' but is oppositely directed and inverted. The relation of the arms 69 and QQ is such that the surface 'I3' and the right surface i3 are in alineinent. Because of the inversion of the cam arm Se the pvot of the pin Sib of the left arm. Sb underlies the surface i3 and said cam arm 3% is located above its pin Gib to facilitate actuation of such arm by the cam arm 69 and actuation of the cam arm 68 by said pin. The arrangement of the arms Gila and the outer arm ich is such that they are gravity biased toward the positions in which they engage the surfaces 'i5/Ea and 12b respectively, and a spring' 60 preferably is provided for biasing the inner arm Btl) toward the position in which it engages the surface l2 although such spring may be omitted. The ngers 1li, ma and itl) project respectively into slots 55, and 5% to efect movement of the cam plates 68, 58a and k'iib respectively by the arms 5|, Ela and i b.

Figs. 5 and d4 illustrate the means by which the cumulative mechanism is operably connected with the interlocking straps of the voting machine. A pair of straps 8@ are spacedly connected by a lug 8| and directly above the lug each strap 80 is formed with a flange 82. Beneath the lug 8| the straps are continued parallel for a short distance and then bent inwardly and joined together to form a connecting link 84, the lower end of which terminates in a hook 85. The straps 8U are spaced apart a distance to enclose a group of nine interlocking straps I5, the flanges 82 being located to the rear of the interlocking straps. The lug 8| is adapted to-rest upon the ledges or shoulders 'l of the group of interlocking straps, while the hook 85 is engaged in one of the recesses 5d, Stia or 54h of the rods 53, 53a or 53h respectively.

As indicated Fig. l, each set of correspondingly identiied ators of `each horizontal row is allocated to th same group of candidates and in a general election, each row of indicators is allocated to a single political party. The counter associated with each indicator is advanced one digit for each indicator operation, but each digit of a counter of group X is counted as a single vote for a candidate, while each digit of a counter of group Y is counted as a vote and a half for a candidate and each digit of a counter of group Z is counted as three votes :for a candidate. A voter may cast a ballot for candidate A by actuating the proper indicator in any group. If he actuates an A indicator in group X, he locks out tne indicators of groups Y and Z but may still actuate two more indicators in group X. If he actuates an indicator of group Y, he locks out the indicators of groups X and Z but may still actuate a second indicator in group Y. If he actuates an indicator in group Z he locks out the indicators of groups X and Y and also locks out the remaining indicators oi group Z.

Assume that a voter elects to cast his three votes for a single candidate. He actuates one indicator in group El and elevates the rod 53!) through the connection of the link B4 and the hook 85 from the position shown in Fig. 7 to the position shown in Fig. 6. Elevating this rod raises the cam arm 69h causing the pin Sib of the right arm 60o to move off the inclined surface 'F3n on to the surface 12b. As the right pin Gil?) is moved, it strikes the right ends of the sliding links 54 and Mb causing links to move to the left. The left end of the link @d engages the pin Bib of the left arm ilib, moving said pin to occupy a position directly below surface 'i3 of the right cam arm 5 and the left end of the link 64 engages the pin 6 Ic of the left arm Gtia, moving said pin to occupy a position directly over the surface 13a of the cam arm Sida. As the cam plates 68 and d8a are connected respectively to the rods 53 and 53a of groups Y and X respectively, both of these groups are locked as the rods 53 and 53a are now locked (Fig. 6) against being elevated and in consequence no one of the indicators on the face of the voting machine in either group X or group Y may be actuated to raise any interlocking straps in either group since these straps are connected through the hooks 55 with the rods 53 and 53a. If the elector had chosen to manipulate an indicator in group X as part of casting one Vote for each of three candidates or two votes for one candidate and one vote for a second candidate, the arm 59a (Fig. 8') would have been elevated and the cam arms and 68h locked thereby locking the rods 53a and 53h to prevent any of the indicators in groups Y and Z from being actuated. If the elector had chosen to actuate an indicator in group the cam plate 68 (Fig. v9) would be moved clockwise, thus causing the pin Sla of the right arm 68a to move off the left inclined surface 13 and the pin lb of the left link Gfib to move o the right inclined surface "i3, thereby causing leftward movement of the link Elia and rightward movement of the link 64b. The pin tia of the left hand link 63a would thereupon occupy a position directly over the surface 'i3d of the cam plate 63a and the pin Sib of the right link b would occupy a position directiy over the surface So of the cam plate 68h, thereby locking the rod 53a and 53h against elevation.

In some communities, the cumulative voting law limits the voter to equally dividing his vote among the candidates. Figs. to i3 illustrate the above mechanism set up to comply with such cumulative voting requirements. With the arrangement shown in these figures, the voter may cast a single vote ior each of three candidates, a one and a half Vote for each of two candidates and three votes for a single candidate but cannot cast two votes for one candidate and a single vote for another candidate. In this set-up, the arrangement of indicators is identical in each of the three groups X, Y and Z and each candidates name appears but once in group X as well as in each of groups Y and Z. The number of lesser groups oi interlocking straps in group X is three instead of six as in Figs. l to 9 and no compensator 2 is used in said group. Also, while the two-section arrangement of Figs. 1 to 9 for group X may be used, it is preferred to use the single section arrangement shown in Fig. 12. With this arrangement, the voter utilizes group X only for dividing his vote evenly among three candidates with one vote to each candidate. The groups Y and Z are arranged as described in connection with Figs. l to 9 and the operation is the same except that the voter cannot use group X to divide his ballot into two votes for one candidate and one vote for a second candidate.

It is of course understood that various modications may be made in the apparatus above described without in any way departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

I claim:

l. A mechanism for use with a voting machine in cumulative voting and being operable by and serving to control movement of selected nonparty groups of interlocking straps oi said machine, said mechanism comprising a hook-like element for each strap group supported by said group for actuation by any strap of the group, a frame located adjacent said interlocking straps, a trio of pivotally movable members on said frame representing three non-party groups, the hook-like elements of certain interlocking strap groups being engaged with one of said members and the hook-like elements of a part of the remaining interlocking strap groups being engaged with another of said members and the hook-like elements of the rest of the interlocking strap groups being engaged with the third member, a swingable unit for each member connected thereto for movement therewith, a bar associated with each pair oi units for slidable movement between two positions in one of which it renders inoperative one unit associated with said bar and the non-party groups of interlocking straps connected thereto and in the other of which it renders inoperative the remaining unit and the nonparty groups of interlocking straps connected thereto, and means co-operating With each unit for moving each bar associated therewith in one direction upon actuation of said unit.

2. A mechanism for use with a voting machine in cumulative voting and being operable by and serving to control. movement of selected nonparty groups of interlocking straps of said machine, said mechanism comprising a hook-like element for each strap group supported by said group for actuation by any strap of the group, a frame located adjacent said interlocking straps, a trio oi pivotally movable members on said frame representing three non-party groups, the hook-like elements of certain interlocking strap groups being engaged with one of said members and the hook-like elements of a part of the remaining interlocking strap groups being engaged with another of said members and the hook-like elements of t-he rest of the interlocking strap groups being engaged with the third member, a swingable unit for each member connected thereto for movement therewith, a slidable bar associated with each pair of units, a pair of pivoted arms associated with each bar, a pin carried by each arm for engagement by a unit and by one end of said bar to eect linear movement of the bar upon rotary movement of a unit to render inoperative each of the remaining units and the non-party groups of interlocking straps connected thereto.

3. In a voting machine, a plurality of groups of interlocking straps, a trio of pivotally movable members, hook-like elements connected to the straps of each group, the hook-like elements oi certain interlocking strap groups being engaged with one member and the hook-like elements of a part oi the remaining interlocking strap groups being engaged with another member and the hook-like elements of the remaining interlocking strap groups being engaged with the third member, a swingable unit connected to each member for movement therewith, a movable bar extending between each unit and each remaining unit, and means co-operating with each unit to effect movement of each bar associated therewith toward the remaining unit associated with said bar to render inoperative said last-named unit and the groups of interlocking straps connected thereto,

4. In a. voting machine, a plurality of groups of interlocking straps, a trio of pivotally movable members, hook-like elements connected to the straps of each group, the hook-like elements of certain interlocking strap groups being engaged with one member and the hook-like elements oi a part oi the remaining interlocking strap groups being engaged with another member and the hook-like elements of the remaining interlocking strap groups being engaged with the third member, a swingable unit for each member connected thereto for movement therewith, a bar associated with each pair of units for slidable movement between two positions in one of which it renders inoperative one unit associated with said bar and the groups of interlocking straps connetced thereto and in the other of which it renders inoperative the remaining unit and the groups of interlocking straps connected thereto, and means co-operating with each unit for moving each bar associated therewith in one direction upon actuation of said unit.

5. In a voting machine, a plurality of groups of interlocking straps, a trio of pivotally movable members, hook-like elements connected to the straps of each group, the hook-like elements of certain interlocking strap groups being engaged with one member and the hook-like elements of a part of the remaining interlocking strap groups being engaged with another member and the hook-like elements of the remaining interlocking strap groups being engaged with the third member, a swingable unit for each member connected thereto for movement therewith, a slidable bar associated with each pair of units, a pair of pivoted arms associated with each bar, a stud carried by each arm for engagement by a unit and by one end of said bar to effect linear movement of the bar upon rotary movement of a unit to render inoperative each of the remaining units and the groups of interlocking straps connected thereto.

6. In a voting machine, a trio of swingable units, a set of groups of interlocking straps connected to each unit, an interlock individual to each set of groups of interlocking straps con nected to each unit with each said interlock set to permit actuation of a different number of straps in each set, a bar associated with each pair of units for slidable movement between two positions in one of which it renders inoperative one unit associated with said bar and the groups of interlocking straps connected thereto and in the other of which it renders inoperative the remaining unit and the set of groups of intern locking straps connected thereto, and means cooperating with each unit for moving each bar associated therewith in one direction upon actuation of said unit.

7. In a voting machine, a trio of swingable units, a set of groups of interlocking straps connected to each unit, an interlock individual to each set of groups of interlocking straps connected to each unit with each said interlock set to permit actuation of a different number of straps in each set, a slidable bar associated with each pair of units, a pair of pivoted arms associated with each bar, a stud carried by each arm for engagement by a unit and by one end of said bar to effect linear movement of the bar upon rotary movement of a unit to render inoperative each of the remaining units and the set of groups of interlocking straps connected thereto.

8. In a voting machine, a trio of swingable units having spaced parallel axes, the center unit having two cam arms of which one is directed toward one end unit and the other of which is directed toward the other end unit and each end unit having a cam arm directed toward said center unit, slidable links extending between each unit and each remaining unit, a pair of pivoted arms for each link having pins engageable with the opposite ends of said link and with the cam arms at the opposite ends of said link, and an actuating member connected to each unit.

9. In a voting machine, a trio of swingable units having spaced parallel axes, the center unit having two cam arms of which one is directed toward one end unit and the other of which is directed toward the other end unit and each end unit having a cam arm directed toward said center unit, slidable links extending between each unit and each remaining unit, a pair of pivoted arms for each link having pins engageable with the opposite ends of said link and with the cam arms at the opposite ends of said link, a group of interlocking straps connected t0 each unit, and an individual interlock for the straps of each group with the three interlocks set to permit actuation of one, two and three straps respectively.

10. In a Voting machine, the combination according to claim 8 characterized by the axes of said swingable units being horizontal, said slidable links being horizontal and said pivoted arms being biased for movement to locate the pins thereof in engagement with the corresponding cam arms.

11. In a voting machine, the combination according to claim 9 characterized by the axes of said swingable units being horizontal, said slidable links being horizontal and said pivoted arms being biased for movement to locate the pins thereof in engagement with the corresponding cam arms.

RANSOM F. SHOUP. 

